UC-NRLF 


$B    1' 


CHRISTUS 
CONSOLATOR 


RAYMOND 


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in  2007  with  funding  from 

IVIicrosoft  Corporation 


http://www.archive.org/details/christusconsolatOOraymrich 


CHRISTUS    CONSOLATOR 
AND   OTHER   POEMS 


CJrifiittts;  Congolator 

AND  OTHER  POEMS 


BY 

ROSSITER  W.    RAYMOND 


NEW   YORK 

THOMAS  Y.  CROWELL  COMPANY 

PUBLISHERS 


Copyright,  1916. 
By  ROSSITER  W.  RAYMOND 


PREFACE 

Nearly  all  the  poems  in  this  book  were  written 
for  special  occasions.  Some  of  them  have  been 
widely  circulated  in  fugitive  form.  Of  the  title- 
poem,  more  than  7,000  copies  have  been  given 
away,  in  response  to  personal  requests,  and  a 
similar,  though  smaller,  demand  for  others  has 
proved  their  helpfulness  to  many  persons  of 
whom  I  was  not  thinking  when  I  wrote  them. 

May  God  continue  to  bless  to  sorrowing  and 
doubting  souls  this  message  of  a  brother  who 
has  known  both  doubt  and  sorrow,  and  has  found 
much  compensation  in  the  exhortation  of  the 
Apostle : 

"That  we  may  be  able  to  comfort  them  that 
are  in  any  trouble  through  the  comfort  where- 
with we  are  ourselves  comforted  of  God." 

RossiTER  W.  Raymond. 
Brooklyn,  1916. 


[S] 


39G666 


CONTENTS 

YAGB 

Christus  Consolator 11 

Immortality 13 

Once  Mine,  Always  Mine 15 

A  Little  Child  Shall  Lead  Them 17 

The  Choice .  19 

Galahad        21 

The  Two  Homes 23 

His  Name  Shall  Be  On  Their  Foreheads     .     .  26 

Who  Shall  Separate  Us?        28 

The  Teacher 30 

The  Pillar  in  the  Temple 31 

Mother 33 

Emmaus        34 

Death's  Revelation 27 

The  Just  Made  Perfect 39 

The  Light  Eternal 41 

Blessed  Are  They 42 

Acquainted  With  Grief 44 

Having  Done  All^  Stand! 45 

The  Recruit 46 

Walking  With  God  (Written  for  the  funeral 

of  William  Hamilton  Gibson) 48 

The  Lover  of  Men  (Peter  Cooper) 50 

Well  Done! 51 

The  Doer  of  the  Word 53 

The  Face  Beloved   (Memorial  tablet  to  Henry 

Ward  Beecher,  1893) 54 

The  Sacrifice  (Charles  Weitzel) 56 

[7] 


FAGB 

One  Family  in  Heaven  and  Earth  (Plymouth 

Church) 57 

A  Prayer .59 

He  Stands  at  the  Door .61 

My  Pilgrimage , 62 

Christus  Conjugatus 64 

The  Lilies 66 

The  Grand  Canyon  of  the  Colorado     ....  68 

To  A  Shut-In 69 

The  Highest  Criticism 71 

Thy  Will 72 

Immortal  Love 74 

Sing  to  the  Lord! 76 

An  Anniversary 78 

Easter 80 


[8] 


CHRISTUS    CONSOLATOR 

AND   OTHER  POEMS 


CHRISTUS  CONSOLATOR 

Beside  the  dead  I  knelt  for  prayer. 

And  felt  a  presence  as  I  prayed. 
Lo!  it  was  Jesus  standing  there. 

He  smiled:  "Be  not  afraid!" 

"Lord,  Thou  hast  conquered  death  we  know; 

Restore  again  to  life,"  I  said, 
"This  one  who  died  an  hour  ago." 

He  smiled:  "She  is  not  dead!" 

"Asleep  then,  as  thyself  didst  say; 

Yet  thou  canst  lift  the  lids  that  keep 
Her  prisoned  eyes  from  ours  away!" 

He.  smiled:  "She  doth  not  sleep!" 

"Nay  then,  tho'  haply  she  do  wake. 
And  look  upon  some  fairer  dawn. 

Restore  her  to  our  hearts  that  ache!" 
He  smiled:  "She  is  not  gone!" 

"Alas!  too  well  we  know  our  loss. 
Nor  hope  again  our  joy  to  touch. 

Until  the  stream  of  death  we  cross." 
He  smiled:  "There  is  no  such!" 
[11] 


"Yet  oar  beloved  seem  so  far, 

The  while  we  yearn  to  feel  them  near, 
Albeit  with  Thee  we  trust  they  are." 

He  smiled:  "And  I  am  here!" 

"Dear  Lord,  how  shall  we  know  that  they 
Still  walk  unseen  with  us  and  Thee, 

Nor  sleep,  nor  wander  far  away?" 
He  smiled:   "Abide  in  Me!" 


[12] 


IMMORTALITY 

Some  gazed  into  the  heavens  afar; 
Some  delved  in  darkness  underground; 
But  Life  Immortal  was  not  found 
In  any  stone  or  star. 

Some  asked  the  spirits  of  the  dead; 
Some  thrid  the  mazes  of  the  past; 
Some  called  aloud — and  heard  at  last 
But  what  themselves  had  said. 

Some  sought  in  quivering  nerves  laid  bare; 
Some  cleaved  the  atoms,  one  by  one; 
Some  cried,  their  vain  inquiry  done, 
"It  is  not  anywhere!" 

But  some  in  happy  peace  remained. 
"Why  join  ye  not,"  I  said,  "the  quest?" 
And  they  made  answer,  "It  is  best 
To  seek  not,  having  gained." 

"Then  ye  have  found  it?"    "Nay,"  they  cried, 
"It  hath  found  us.    The  life  above 
We  live  by  faith  and  hope  and  love, 
Since  these  three  shall  abide! 
[131 


"Faith  opens  wide  the  gates  of  gloom ; 
Hope  presses  to  a  glad  surprise; 
But  love  looks  round,  with  happy  eyes, 
And  finds  herself  at  home!" 


[141 


ONCE   MINE,   ALWAYS    MINE 

Wert  thou  but  traveling  thro'  the  spheres 

And  only  resting  on  the  way 
Within  these  arms,  that  all  my  tears 

Were  vain  to  make  thee  stay? 

Thou  didst  abide  so  little  space, — 
Forsake  so  soon  this  earthly  lot — 

Ah,  can  it  be  thy  mother's  face 
Already  is  forgot? 

With  joyful  eyes  and  feet  alert, 
Ungrieving  dost  thou  greet  to-day 

Those  angel- friends  from  whom  thou  wert 
So  little  while  away? 

Nay,  love  is  swift  to  spring  and  grow; 

And  where  it  once  has  lived,  I  ween. 
That  place  can  never  be  as  though 

The  love-life  had  not  been. 

A  bright  child-angel,  thou  didst  come. 
And,  dropping  here  celestial  flowers. 

Hast  carried  to  thine  other  home 
Undying  blooms  from  ours. 
[IS] 


No  crown  regained  that  lights  thy  face 
Can  hide  the  earth-born  radiance  mild 

That  thro'  all  glory  sheds  a  grace — 
Thou  heavenly,  human  child! 

How  shall  I  find  thee  in  the  throng? 

Ah,  love  knows  how  to  recognize. 
Through  all  the  thunder  of  the  song 

And  blaze  of  starry  eyes ! 

Not  long  my  soul,  that  happy  day, 
From  its  delight  shall  stand  apart: 

O  child,  my  child!  thou  wilt  obey 
The  crying  of  my  heart! 


[16] 


A  LITTLE  CHILD  SHALL  LEAD  THEM 

I  thought  her  given  a  charge  to  me; 

I  took  her  with  a  trembling  pride, 
Remembering  what  Earth's  dangers  be, 
And  asking  on  my  bended  knee 

God's  wisdom  for  my  guide. 

I  looked  upon  her  innocence, 

Then  forward  through  the  coming  years, 
And  thought  my  earth-experience 
Should  shield  her  soul  from  all  offence 

And  keep  her  eyes  from  tears! 

What  solemn  joy,  to  lead  her  feet 

Through  Life's  bewildering,  changeful  land. 
To  tell  her  all  the  sad  and  sweet 
That  make  Life's  mystery  complete. 
And  lend  her  strength  to  stand! 

Ah,  fond  and  foolish  was  my  pride. 
And  fond  and  foolish  was  my  fear! 

She  had  no  need  of  earthly  guide; 

'Twas  not  for  that  she  sought  my  side 
And  sojourned  with  me  here! 
[17] 


Not  she  my  charge;  but  rather  I 

To  her  bright  guidance  had  been  given! 
She  came  within  my  arms  to  lie, 
That  she  might  know  me  by  and  bye, 
Amid  the  throngs  of  heaven! 

And  I  shall  know  her  loving  eyes — 
Shall  learn  of  her  Life's  mystery; 
Now  God  be  thanked  that  in  the  skies — 
An  angel  in  a  child's  disguise — 
My  teacher  waits  for  me! 


[181 


THE    CHOICE 

Ben  Ezra,  mourning  wild 

Above  the  body  of  his  child, 

His  faith  with  fate  unreconciled. 

Complained,  and  could  not  understand 

Why  Death's  relentless  hand 

A  thousand  common  lives  should  spare, 

To  snatch  a  life  so  fair. 

"The  old  outlive  the  young; 

The  sweetest  song  is  hushed  ere  it  be  sung; 

The  loveliest  bud,"  he  thought, 

"Is  come  to  naught; 

The  page  of  brightest  promise  falls  unread; 

Oh,  cruel  jest!"  he  said. 

At  last 

His  soul  flew  back  into  the  past. 

Again  he  smiled  above  his  new-born  son. 

And  was  aware  of  One 

Who,  standing  by  the  cradle,  spake: 

"This  gift  again  I  take 
When  but  a  few  swift  years  are  sped. 
Now  choose !"  the  Presence  said : 
[19] 


"Since  by  the  changeless,  fathomless  decree, 

This  bitter  loss  must  be, 

Were  it  not  better  I  should  touch 

The  child,  and  mar  it,  lest  it  grow  to  such 

As,  losing,  thou  would'st  mourn  too  much?" 

"Or  shall  I  crown  it  with  my  rarest  crown 

Of  glory,  to  bring  down 

A  deeper  shadow  when  it  fades 

Than  common  shades? 

So  would'st  thou  have — and  miss — 

The  greater  bliss !" 

"Nay!"  cried  Ben  Ezra;  "since  this  grace 

Bides  but  so  little  space. 

Keep  back  no  gift  of  treasures  manifold 

That  heaven  doth  hold; 

But  pour  the  brightness  of  all  spheres 

Into  my  child's  few  years. 

That  I  may  drink  of  joy's  full  measure  first. 

Though  afterwards  I  thirst!" 

The  vision  fled. 

Ben  Ezra  was  alone  beside  his  dead; 
And,  while  afresh  he  grieved. 
Praised  God,  with  tears,  that  such  a  child  had 
lived ! 


[20] 


GALAHAD 

O  Lord  of  Life,  and  Life  again! 

Obedient  to  Thy  decree, 
Thy  servant  fares  beyond  our  ken 

To  spheres  and  duties  known  to  Thee. 

Full  sorely  shall  we  miss  him  here: 
Could'st  Thou  not  spare  us  for  a  space 

Such  youthful  spirits,  bright  and  dear, 
And  strong  to  do  Thy  work  of  grace  ? 

Why  callest  Thou  the  stainless  knight 

With  sword  scarce  proved  against  the  foe. 

Why  leavest  us,  by  many  a  fight 
Wearied  and  scarred,  and  fain  to  go? 

Yet  this  we  dimly  understand : 

That  Life  Eternal  is  our  own. 
And  that  the  unseen  Other  Land 

Is  ours,  and  not  this  Land  alone! 

Once  Thou  did'st  lose  Thy  Son  awhile 
On  a  strange  errand,  full  of  pain; 

Yet  with  a  Father's  welcoming  smile 
Did'st  proudly  take  Him  home  again. 
[21] 


So  now  we  say:  If  Life  be  One, 
And  Thou  of  Life  the  Ruler  be, 

Dear  God,  Who  gavest  us  Thy  Son, 
Behold!  we  give  our  sons  to  Thee! 


[22] 


THE   TWO   HOMES 

"I  go,"  said  Jesus,  "to  prepare 
A  place  for  you;"  and  surely  He 

Bids  in  that  task  our  dear  ones  share, 
That  where  they  are,  we  too  may  be! 

How  sweet,  how  wise  the  Master's  way 
To  make  the  household  strong  and  sure — 

Not  raised  haphazard  for  a  day, 
But  deeply  founded,  to  endure! 

How  lovingly  He  watches,  while 
We  mortals  build  on  earth  a  home, 

Giving  His  blessing  with  a  smile 
As  one  by  one  the  children  come! 

Each  child  a  stranger,  to  our  sense, 
Till  life  has  made  it  closely  dear — 

Yet  if  perchance  He  calls  it  hence. 

How  empty  seems  the  household  here! 

Ah!  He  is  building  for  our  love 
A  home  by  far  outlasting  this: 

The  house  not  made  with  hands,  abpve. 
Eternal  in  the  heavenly  bliss! 
[23]      ^ 


Not  even  the  first  who  pass  the  gates 
Can  feel  themselves  indeed  alone; 

For  He  with  cordial  welcome  waits — 
A  household  friend  already  known! 

He  shows  them  how  His  love  has  cared 
For  us,  their  love  still  longs  to  see, 

And  leads  them  to  the  place  prepared, 
Where  He  and  they  and  we  shall  be. 

Thenceforward  they  who  enter  there 
(Returning  by  the  glad  new  birth 

Called  death)  do  find  a  household  where 
Shall  be  fulfilled  the  loves  of  earth. 

No  blind  and  ignorant  babes  are  they. 
With  love's  long  lesson  yet  to  learn ; 

But  souls  that  swiftly  tread  the  way 
To  meet  the  souls  for  whom  they  yearn. 

Each  pilgrim  feels  familiar  arms 

Outstretched  to  give  the  old  embrace. 

And  looks,  to  still  all  strange  alarms. 
Up  into  a  familiar  face! 

And  so  the  household  grows  complete, 
While  its  destruction  we  deplore, 

Unmindful  of  the  safe  retreat 
They  have  prepared  who  went  before. 
[24] 


Dear  Christ!  in  both  our  homes  a  guest, 
Consoling  here,  inspiring  there! 

Prepare  tis  for  the  place  of  rest, 
While  Thou  and  they  the  place  prepare ! 


[25] 


HIS   NAME   SHALL   BE   ON    THEIR 
FOREHEADS 

Above  that  silent,  stainless  brow, 
Behold  an  Angel  bending  low! 

"What  doest  Thou/'  I  said, 

"To  our  beloved  dead?" 

Then  smiling,  he:  "I  smooth  away- 
Some  words  of  earthly  pain  that  lay 

Upon  this  forehead  white. 

They  came  there  in  the  night; 

"And  now,  at  morning's  happy  tide. 
They  may  no  longer  there  abide. 

See  how,  at  my  caress, 

They  fade  to  nothingness!" 

"Nay,  Thou  art  doing  more  than  this!" 
I  said;  and  he,  with  one  swift  kiss 

Upon  the  shining  head, 

Replied,  "I  print  instead 

A  new  name  where  those  words  were  writ  !'^ 
"Alas !"  I  cried,  "we  are  not  fit 

That  secret  name  to  know; 

And  we  would  not  forego 
[26] 


"The  lore  of  precious,  sacred  gain 
Love  wrote  between  those  lines  of  pain. 

Nor  were  she  truly  blest 

Forgetting  us  in  rest!" 

Once  more  he  spake:  *This  name  so  new 
Containeth  all  the  old  names,  too; 

What  ye  have  spelled  apart 

In  syllables  of  the  heart, 

"What  ye  have  yearned  in  vain  to  say, 
Is  the  full  name  of  God — and  they 

On  whom  that  Name  is  set, 

Belonging  to  you  yet. 

Live,  and  do  not  forget!" 


[27] 


WHO    SHALL    SEPARATE    US? 
I 

I  marvel  not  when  souls  oppressed 
With  toil  and  care  and  fear, 

Look  forward,  upward,  for  the  rest 
That  is  denied  them  here. 

The  poor,  the  weak,  the  lonely  lives. 
How  would  they  curse  their  birth, 

But  for  the  hope  of  heaven  that  gives 
A  recompense  for  earth! 

But  we,  who  journeyed,  hand  in  hand. 

And  rested,  heart  to  heart. 
Longed  not  for  any  better  land 

That  we  must  reach  apart. 

How  can  celestial  scenes  atone 
For  earth's  remembered  bliss 

To  her,  in  yonder  world  alone. 
And  me,  alone  in  this? 

II 

O  tear-blind  mourner!  lift  thine  eyes, 

And  dry  them  in  the  sun; 
Thou  also  art  in  Paradise, 

For  lo!  the  world  is  one! 
[28] 


And  they  who  walk  the  way  of  love, 

Love's  life  eternal  win, 
Nor  need  to  look  afar,  above, 

For  heaven,  that  lies  within 

That  deeper  union  cannot  hang 

Upon  a  mortal   breath. 
Or  vanish  in  a  mortal  pang — 

For  such  there  is  no  death! 

One  with  each  other  and  with  Christ, 

They  journey  as  before, 
And  find  the  joy  that  once  sufficed 

Become  not  less,  but  more. 

O  blessed  touch  of  Death,  that  takes 

No  jot  from  joys  begun. 
But  only  of  love's  kingdom  makes 

Two  worlds  that  are  but  one! 


[291 


THE    TEACHER 

Dear  Lord,  to  whom  the  children  ran 
For  blessing  sweet  and  close  embrace, 

Who  saidst,  the  children's  angels  can 
Forever  see  the  Father's  face; 

Who  didst  rebuke  the  overwise 

That  sought  the  children  to  exclude; 

Who  didst  approve,   with   smiling  eyes. 

When  children  palms  before  Thee  strewed! 

Behold!  Thy  servant  doth  appear 
Before  Thy  face  he  longed  to  see — 

His  glory  this:  that,  year  by  year. 
He  brought  the  children  unto  Thee! 

And  while  he  did  his  loving  part, 
We  saw  him  win  a  grace  unthought; 

For  lo !  by  touch  Divine,  his  heart 

Grew  to  a  child's  heart,  as  he  wrought! 

And  now  we  hear  Thee,  Glorious  One, 
With  shining  children  round  Thy  knees. 

Saying,  "Thrice  welcome,  dearest  son; 
Thou  art  become  as  one  of  these!" 
[30] 


THE    PILLAR   IN    THE   TEMPLE 

Crowned  Son  of  God!    Behold,  Thy  friend 
Departs  from  us,  to  bide  with  Thee, 

Trusting  Thy  word,  that  to  the  end 
Where'er  Thou  art,  Thine  own  shall  be. 

And  by  Thy  promise  sure,  we  know 
That  he  on  whom  we  leaned  in  love 

Shall  stand,  as  in  Thy  Church  below, 
A  pillar,  in  Thy  Church  above! 

A  pillar,  always  in  its  place. 

Steadfast  and  strong,  and  true  of  line. 
Firm- founded  in  Thy  changeless  grace. 

High-towering  to  Thy  full  design! 

Of  these  Thy  pillars,  Thou  didst  say 
O  Christ!  Thou  wouldest  write  on  them 

The  name  of  God,  to  shine  alway, 
And  of  His  New  Jerusalem. 

Yet  these  were  no  inscriptions  new — 

Only  a  record  simply  fit; 
For  on  this  pillar's  shaft,  these  two. 

Thou  knowest,  were  already  writ. 
[31] 


But  Thou  hast  promised  more  than  this: — 
O  vision  beyond  earthly  sight! 

O  mystery  of  consummate  bliss! — 
Thine  own  new  name  thereon  to  write! 

And  in  Thy  Temple  we  shall  view 
Our  brother  strong,  who  overcame, 

Bearing,  above  all  names  we  knew, 
The  glory  of  Thine  own  New  Name! 

It  shall  be  whispered  in  his  ear — 

That  glad  new  name  of  love  and  rest;. 

Then  chanted  through  the  heavenly  sphere  ;- 
Then  blazoned  on  his  happy  breast! 


132] 


MOTHER 

True  heart  and  wise,  that  with  Love's  key 
Didst  open  all  life's  mystery 
And  buy  life's  treasure  at  the  price 
Of   Love's  perpetual  sacrifice! 

The  peace  that  Love  finds  hid  in  care; 
The  strength  that  love-borne  burdens  bear; 
The  hope  that  stands  with  love  and  faith 
Serenely  facing  life  and  death; 

The  blessing  that  in  blessing  lies — 
These  didst  thou  know,  true  heart  and  wise! 
Now  God  hath  added,  last  and  best. 
The  sudden,  glad  surprise  of  rest! 


1331 


EMMAUS 

"Dear  Lord,"  I  said,  "we  would  not  mourn 
For  any  loss  that  needs  be  borne. 
If  only  we  might  know  our  loss 
Was  gain  unto  Thy  Holy  Cross. 
What  were  our  sorrow,  in  the  thought 
Of  Thy  new  victory  thereby  wrought ! 

"But  didst  Thou  really  know,  indeed. 
Of  this  Thy  saint,  Thy  kingdom's  need — 
How  many  souls,  she  saved  for  Thee, 
Now  faint  for  such  a  friend  as  she; 

"How  many  more  she  might  have  won 
Are  seeking  help  and  finding  none ; 
How  all  Thy  servants  query  who 
Her  place  can  fill,  her  work  can  do? 
Not  selfish  is  the  moan  we  make; 
JVe  sorrow.  Master,  for  Thy  sake!" 

The  silence  of  my  soul  was  stirred 
By  something  subtler  than  a  word — 
Such  utterance  as  the  Spirit  brings 
For  deep,  unutterable  things. 
I  know  not  what  the  Spirit  brought: 
It  seemed  a  picture  and  a  thought. 
[34] 


I  saw  two  travelers  in  tears. 
Communing  of  their  griefs  and  fears. 
In  garrulous  sorrow  telling  o'er. 
What  each  already  knew  before. 
How  death  had  triumphed  to  dispel 
The  only  hope  of  Israel. 
"We  thought,"  they  said,  "it  would  be  He 
Who  should  redeem  us!" 

Suddenly 
Methought  I  saw  a  stranger  greet 
Those  hopeless  mourners.    In  His  feet 
And  in  His  hands  and  in  His  side 
The  cruel  scars  yet  testified; 
And  on  His  brow  serene  was  borne 
The  impress  of  a  wreath  of  thorn. 
Yet  were  their  eyes  with  weeping  dim; 
And   glory   strange   encompassed   Him — 
The  radiance  that  witnesseth 
Of  love  victorious  over  death. 
And  so  they  knew  Him  not;  but  soon 
Methought  their  faces  glowed  and  shone, 
As  if  their  hearts,  in  glad  relief. 
Burned  through  the  ashes  of  their  grief. 

One  little  word  of  all  He  said 
Wherewith  their  souls  were  comforted, 
I  caught;  and,  by  a  mystery. 
The  rest  seemed  spoken  unto  me: 
[35] 


"If  it  were  better  then  that  I 

At  the  full  hour  of  hope  should  die, 

Doubt  not  that  death  with  life  divine 

Crowns  for  new  power  each  child  of  mine. 

Nor  fear  lest  any  death  of  man 

Shall  spoil  the  work  My  death  began! 

Nay,  rather,  as  My  going  left 

A  Spirit  new  in  hearts  bereft. 

And  they  who  sorrowed  for  me  most 

Were  kindled  by  the  Holy  Ghost 

To  joy  and  courage,  hope  and  zeal 

Beyond  all  human  power  to  feel. 

So  let  your  seeming  loss  and  pain 

Be  wrought  into  some  nobler  strain 

Of  praise  and  service,  worthy  her 

Whose  life  was  My  interpreter, 

And  whose  strong  spirit,  glorified. 

Forever  shall  with  you  abide!" 

The  Master  was  revealed,  'tis  said. 
To  them,  in  breaking  of  the  bread. 
And  vanished:  so  from  me  at  last 
The  vision  of  His  presence  passed; 
But  witness  evermore  shall  be 
This  bread  of  life  He  broke  for  me! 


[361 


DEATH'S    REVELATION 

One  more  from  earth  to  heaven  ascends ; 

Yet  earth  and  heaven  do  lie  so  near 
That  still  we  walk  with  unseen  friends 

And  our  beloved  still  are  here! 

We  feel  upon  our  foreheads  still 

Their  hands,  we  strive  in  vain  to  reach 

While  with  the  words  of  love  they  fill 
The  silence  which  is  love's  own  speech. 

The  mystery  thus  we  learn  at  last, 

Uniting  earth's  divided  lives. 
That,  all  things  mortal  being  passed. 

Immortal,  changeless  love  survives! 

Sinning,  and  doubting  overmuch. 
Too  oft  we  lose  the  vision  clear. 

The  hearing  keen,  the  subtle  touch. 
That  link  us  to  a  higher  sphere. 

Welcome!  thou  dear  Death- Angel,  who 
Undoest  what  our  lives  have  done. 

And,  breaking  our  delusions  through, 
Makest  once  more  the  two  worlds  one ! 
137] 


Thy  call  is  doom;  thy  touch  is  pain; 

Thy  boon  is  ours  at  fearful  cost; 
But  thou  dost  give  to  us  again 

The  priceless  treasure  we  had  lost. 


ISS] 


THE    JUST    MADE    PERFECT 

O  bliss  supreme,  for  which  we  yearned 
The  while  Earth's  weary  way  we  trod. 

And  faintly  in  the  sky  discerned 
The  shining  city  of  our  God! 

There  stand  the  innumerable  throng 
Of  angels,  whom  we  yet  shall  know, 

And  there,  in  rest  and  joy  and  song, 
The  heroes  of  the  church  below. 

And  there  the  Judge,  whose  love  is  law, 
And  the  dear  Christ,  whose  pierced  side 

Upon  the  cross  erewhile  we  saw. 

Now  welcomes  them  for  whom  He  died ! 

Yet  still  our  hearts  to  kindly  Death 
One  other  longing  would  declare — 

Ah!  blessed  be  the  word  that  saith 
,The  just  made  perfect — they  are  there. 

They  whom  we  loved  with  fitful  love. 
Yea,  loved — yet  did  not  understand — 

They  wait  us  in  the  host  above. 
Transfigured  for  the  heavenly  land! 
[39] 


And  now  their  deep,  transparent  eyes 
Disclose  their  secret,  real  and  true — 

All  weakness  gone  that  did  disguise 
The  heavenly  heart  from  earthly  view. 

What  though  we  find  they  have  outgrown 
The  portrait  of  our  memory? 

Still  we  shall  know  them  for  our  own — 
Our  own — as  we  would  have  them  be! 

From  glory  unto  glory  bright 

With  flight  unfettered  now  they  soar; 
Yet,  on  each  new  celestial  height, 

Still  they  are  ours,  not  less,  but  more! 


[40] 


THE    LIGHT    ETERNAL 

The  brightest  ray  gives  deepest  shade; 

And,  if  we  read  the  gloom  aright 
Some  passing  shield  opaque  has  made, 

We  say,  "The  shadow  proves  the  light!" 

Yea,  even  the  dark  of  night  profound. 
That  seems  so  boundless  to  our  eyes. 

Is  but  a  shadow,  swinging  round 
Through  the  vast  glory  of  the  skies — 

The  shadow  of  our  floating  isle. 
That,  turning,  keeps  the  light  away 

Or  brings  it  back,  yet  swims  the  while 
In  the  great  sea  of  changeless  day! 

And  when  to  us  night  seems  to  fall. 
And  we  declare  that  day  is  done, 

Beyond  the  West  earth's  dwellers  all 
Are  waking  glad  to  greet  the  sun! 

So  Life  and  Death,  like  Night  and  Day, 
Are  but  the  change  ourselves  have  made. 

While  round  our  little  world  alway 
Shines  Light  Eternal,  without  shade! 
[41] 


BLESSED    ARE    THEY 

To  us  across  the  ages  borne, 

Comes  the  deep  word  the  Master  said: 
"Blessed  are  they  that  mourn; 

They  shall  be  comforted!'* 

Strange  mystery!     Is  it  better,  then, 
To  weep  and  yearn  and  vainly  call. 

Till  peace  is  won  from  pain, 
Than  not  to  grieve  at  all ! 

Yea,  truly,  though  joy's  note  be  sweet. 
Life  does  not  thrill  to  joy  alone. 

The  harp  is  incomplete 
That  has  no  deeper  tone.        ^ 

Unclouded  sunshine  overmuch 
Falls  vainly  on  the  barren  plain; 

But  fruitful  is  the  touch 
Of  sunshine  after  rain! 

Who  only  scans  the  heavens  by  day 
Their  story  but  half  reads,  and  mars; 

Let  him  learn  how  to  say, 
"The  night  is  full  of  stars!" 
[42] 


We  seek  to  know  Thee  more  and  more, 
Dear  Lord,  and  count  our  sorrows  blest. 

Since  sorrow  is  the  door 
Whereby  Thou  enterest. 

Nor  can  our  hearts  so  closely  come 

To  Thine  in  any  other  place. 
As  where,  with  anguish  dumb. 

We  faint  in  Thine  embrace. 


[43] 


ACQUAINTED    WITH    GRIEF: 

Lord  Jesus !  Thou  dost  know  my  pain — 

Alone,  at  night,  to  cry  Alas! 
With  anguish,  and  to  cry  in  vain — 
Didst  Thou  not  pray,  and  pray  again. 
The  bitter  cup  might  pass? 

My  hopeless  struggle  ends;  and  now, 

In  this  mine  hour  of  cruel  loss. 
Thou  knowest  still  my  pain;  for  Thou 
Beneath  the  crushing  weight  didst  bow. 
And  couldst  not  bear  Thy  cross! 

Though  heaven  awhile  its  stars  deny. 
And  faith  no  gleam  of  rescue  see. 
This,  too.  Thou  knowest,  who  didst  cry 
Aloud :  My  God,  My  God ;  oh  why 
Hast  Thou  forsaken  me! 

To  Thee  the  weary  way  is  plain. 

The  fear,  the  darkness,  the  release. 
Since  I  must  tread  that  path  again. 
Dear  Christ,  who  knowest  all  my  pain. 
Make  me  to  know  Thy  peace ! 

[44] 


HAVING    DONE    ALL,    STAND! 

Erect,  alert,  undaunted  still, 

The  weary,  wounded  veteran  stands,  ^ 

Waiting  to  hear  the  Captain's  will. 

And  heeding  nought  save  His  commands. 

In  vain  we  whisper,  through  our  grief, 
"Lay  down  thy  weapons;  take  thy  rest! 

Behold,  the  Angel  of  Relief 
Approaches  at  thy  Lord's  behest!" 

"Not  so,"  he  saith;  "I  pledged  my  Lord 
In  youth,  the  life  He  gave  me  then; 

And  only  at  His  own  clear  word 
Will  I  surrender  it  again!" 

Then  through  the  night  his  lips  were  dumb; 

But  as  the  dawn  dispelled  the  shade. 
The  Voice  he  knew  said  plainly,  "Come!" 

And  in  glad  silence  he  obeyed! 

Thou  knowest,  Lord,  Thy  soldier  true; 

For  Thou,  Thyself,  didst  set  him  free. 
When  he  had  fought  the  good  fight  through, 

And  kept  the  faith  once  pledged  to  Thee! 
[45] 


THE    RECRUIT 

"Lord,  who  am  I  that  I  should  dare," 
He  said,  "Thy  glorious  name  to  wear. 
And  challenge  all  to  view  in  me 
What  sort  of  man  Christ's  man  should  be ! 

"Let  this  sufficient  place  be  mine, 
Humbly  to  hear  Thy  word  divine. 
And  serve  Thy  children,  even  as  one 
Not  worthy  to  be  called  Thy  son!" 

"My  son!" — thus  ran  the  answer  low — 
"My  son!    Thou  canst  not  serve  Me  so. 
I  need  thee  wholly;  and  My  need. 
Not  thine  alone,  I  stand  to  plead. 

"And  whom  I  call,  I  will  sustain; 
Falling,   they  shall   arise  again; 
Mine  once,  mine  always,  they  shall  be 
Who  in  My  need  have  come  to  Me." 

He  heard;  he  hastened  to  obey, 
Casting  all  doubts  and  fears  away. 
And  unto  Christ,  at  that  command 
"I  need  thee,"  pledged  a  loyal  hand. 
[46] 


How  strong  the  steadfast  soldier  stood, 
How  faithful  to  the  brotherhood! 
Ah,  clearly,  though  our  eyes  are  dim, 
We  see  how  much  we  needed  him! 

But  he  has  caught  again  the  word 
That  once  his  generous  spirit  stirred, 
As,  whispering  from  a  higher  sphere. 
The  master  said,  *1  need  thee  hereT 


[47] 


WALKING  WITH  GOD 

Read  at  the  funeral  of  William  Hamilton  Gibson,  at 
Washington,  Connecticut. 

He  walked,  the  friend  of  every  life 
In  flower  or  insect,  beast  or  bird; 

He  knew  their  pleasure  and  their  strife; 
Their  sorrows   shared,   their  secrets   heard. 

Bending  their  leafy  diadems, 

The  trees  to  him  a  welcome  breathed; 
The  blossoms  on  a  thousand   stems 

To   him   their   deepest   hearts    unsheathed. 

The  bright-eyed  squirrel  showed  him  where 
Its  highway  ran  along  the  fence. 

And,  inly  glad  to  see  him  there. 
Fled,  not  too  far,  in  shy  pretence. 

The  tilting  songster  on  the  bough, 

The  callow  nestling  in  its  place, 
With  quick  perception  learned  to  know 

This  lover  of  their  hunted  race. 

Around  him,  like  an  angel  throng. 
The  countless  host  of  gauzy  things. 

With  airy   flight  and  murmurous   song 
Unfurled  the  glories  of  their  wings. 
[48] 


For  the  world's  life  within  him  thrilled, 

And  every  earthly  path  he  trod 
To  his  responsive  soul  was  filled 

With  works,  and  ways,  and  words  of  God. 

Then  spake  a  dearer  Voice:    "My  son, 
A  life  yet  wider  shalt  thou  see: 

Leave  these  fair  hills  of  Washington, 
And  walk  on  fairer  hills  with  Me!" 


[49] 


THE  LOVER  OF  MEN 
In  memory  of  Peter  Cooper. 

Now,  God  be  thanked  for  such  a  gift! 
A  human  life,  so  strong,  so  sweet, 
So  blessed,  so  blessing,  so  complete. 

So  fit  before  the  world  to  lift 

For  pattern  and  encouragement; 

For  silent  love  and  echoing  praise; 

For  teaching  how  earth's  fleeting  days 
In  heavenly  uses  best  are  spent; 

What  guerdon  tireless  toil  commands; 

What  triumph  waits   on  enterprise; 

How  he  who  serves  his  kind  shall  rise, 
Upborne   upon   their  grateful   hands! 

His  goodness  struck  detraction  dumb; 
He  drew  the  heart  of  all  to  his. 
And  lent  unto  the  life  that  is 

The  brightness  of  the  life  to  come! 


[50] 


WELL  DONE! 

O  gallant  warrior,  whom  nor  wound 
Nor  weariness  could   force  to  yield, 

Until  thou  heard'st  the  bugle  sound 
That  called  thee  to  a  higher  field! 

O  faithful  servant,  not  content 
To  rest  upon  the  service  past. 

But  using  still  the  talents  lent 
With  jealous  ardor  to  the  last! 

O  thorough  workman,  slighting  nought. 
But  laboring  on   the  smallest  part 

Until  the  whole  was  fitly  wrought 
To  satisfy  thy  loyal  heart! 

To  thee  I  hear  the  Master  speak 
Not  merely  words  of  pardoning  grace, 

As  one  who  lifts  a  wanderer  weak 
Into  some  safe,  celestial  place! 

Sweet  is  His  mercy  unto  all 

Who  fail  in  what  they  fain  would  do; 
And  precious  His  inspiring  call 

That  cheers  them  to  begin  anew. 
[51] 


But  unto  some,  when  life  is  spent, 
The  fight  is  fought,  the  race  is  run, 

He  saith,  not  pityingly,  "Well  meant!" 
But  proudly,  joyfully,  "Well  done!" 


[52] 


THE   DOER   OF   THE   WORD 

Not   thine   in   lofty   words   to   celebrate 
The   deeds   of   other   men,    or   to    declare 
How  honor,   courage,  kindliness   are   fair; 

How  happy  homes  make  strong  the  welded 
State ; 

How    they    who    draw    the    path    of    duty 
straight 

And  tread  therein  unswerving,  without  boast, 
Of  all  God's  loyal  servants  do  the  most 

To  cast  up  for  His  feet  the  highway  great. 

Yet  with  a  clearer  language  didst  thou  speak, 
Than  poet's  song  or  preacher's  tongue  of 
fire. 

That  truth  to  utter  which  mere  speech  is  weak ; 
And  thee  not  less  we  gratefully  admire, 

Who  quietly  hast  lived  the  life  they  seek 
By  their  high  words  in  all  men  to  inspire. 


[53] 


THE   FACE   BELOVED 

Read   at   the   dedication   of   the   Memorial   Tablet   to 
Henry  Ward  Beecher^  at  Plymouth  Church,  1893. 

Let  us  look  on  his  face  anew; 
The  face  so  tender  and  true; 
The  brow  of  a  strong  repose; 
The  eyes  of  fire  and  dew; 
The   lips   that   could   unclose 
To  let  the  thunder  through. 

Or  sound  Heaven's  trumpet  of  youth 
To   spirits   weary   of   earth. 
Or  challenge  the  deeps  of  truth, 
Or   ring  with  the  music   of   mirth. 
Or  breathe,   like  a  harp  in  the  air, 
The  answering  breath  of  prayer! 

Let  us  look  on  the  face  we  have  loved 
Since  ever  our  love  began; 
The  face  that  with  anger  was  moved 
When  wrong  was  done  to  man; 
That  shone  in  the   front  of  the  fight 
When  battle  raged  for  the  right, 
Yet  bent  with  pity   again 
Over  the  wounded  and  slain! 
[54] 


Let  us  look  on  the  face  of  him 
Who  caught  from  the  joyous  throng 
Of  worshiping  seraphim 
The  note  of  a  rapturous  song; 
Who  tasted  the  bread  and  the  wine 
Of  the  human  life  divine! 

Come  look  on  his  face,  all  ye 
Whose  tears  have  watered  his  grave; 
Slaves,  he  called  to  be  free; 
Soldiers,  he  cheered  to  be  brave; 
Hungry  souls  that  he  fed; 
Mourners  he  comforted; 
Dead  souls,  raised  from  the  dead! 

We  need  not  look  on  his  face 
In  picture  or  stone  or  brass; 
It  is  kept  in  a  sacred  place. 
While   years   uncounted   pass — 
In  the  hearts  and  the  lives  enshrined 
Of   the  loving,   left  behind! 

Nay,  not  behind  or  below! 
For  the  life  eternal  is  here; 
And  within  its   shadow   we  know 
Our   lover   beloved   stands   near, 
Whose  face,  not  far  away, 
Looks   upon  us   this   day! 

[55] 


THE   SACRIFICE 

In  memory  of  Charles  Weitzel,  Assistant  Pastor  of 
Plymouth  Church. 

This   precious   ointment   rich   and   rare — 
Shall   it  adorn   the   fairest   fair, 
Anoint   some   brow   of   kingly   mien, 
Or  lend  its   fragrance  to  a  queen, 
Or,  bartered  dear  for  price  of  gold, 
Bring  wealth   and  power  to   him   who   sold, 
Or,  proudly  conscious  of  itself. 
In  the  carved  casket  on  the  shelf 
Its   hoarded   treasure   keep   confined, 
Too  sacred  for  the  human  kind? 

Nay,  break  the  box,  and  pour  profuse 

The   ointment   in   Love's   humblest   use. 

No  gift  can  squandered  be  or  lost 

When   Love  gives,   counting  not  the   cost. 

Pour  it   in   Love's   surrender  sweet 

Upon  some  weary  pilgrim's   feet. 

Or   touch   with   Love's   last   chrism   thereby 

Some  lonely  one  about  to  die. 

And  listen  while  Love  whispers  thee: 

"Lo!  thou  hast  done  it  unto  Me!" 

[56] 


ONE  FAMILY  IN  HEAVEN  AND 
EARTH 

Read  at  the  Annual  Dinner  of  Plymouth  Church 
January  16,  1910. 

Mother,    whose   household   is   one 
Beneath   and   beyond   the   sun! 
Thy  daughters  and  sons  to-day 
Hail  thee  and  praise  thee,  and  say, 
"Out  of  two   worlds  we  come 
To  greet  our  Mother  at  home !" 

Babes   taken   out   of   thy  breast 
Into  the  heavenly  rest; 
Youths    made    strong    by    thy    voice 
To    serve    and    endure    and    rejoice; 
Veterans    crowned,    who    yet 
Love  thee,  and  do  not  forget! 

Angels  of  glory  and  joy 
Pause   in   celestial   employ, 
Blessing    and    honor    to    shed 
On  thy  gray,  beautiful  head! 
Blessing   and   honor   to   thee 
From  those  who  have  stood  at  thy  knee! 
[57] 


Yea,  He  who  is  Brother  of  all 
Hastens   to   come   at  thy  call, 
Gladly    revisiting    here 
The  home  by  His  presence  made  dear, 
Yet  bidding  us  know,  at  thy  side. 
His   presence    doth   ever   abide! 

So  we,  who  yet  linger  between 
The   past   and   the    future   unseen. 
Are   one   with   the   host   on   high, 
And   one   with   the   host   drawing   nigh,- 
Thy    children,    whose    love    is    secure 
iWhile   ages   and   ages    endure! 


[58] 


A   PRAYER 

God  give  thee  strength,  my  child. 
His    strength,    that    cannot    break 
'Neath   heavy   burdens,   piled 
On    feeble   arms   that   ache! 
Through  all   time's   weary   length 
God    give    thee    strength ! 

God  give  thee  peace,  my  child, 
His  peace,  mysterious,   strange, 
A  music,   murmuring   mild 
Above   earth's   noisy   change. 
That  bids  the  tempest  cease — 
God  give  thee  peace! 

God  give  thee   joy,   my   child, 
Triumphant,    full   of   grace. 
The   joy   that   aye   hath   smiled 
In  the  True  Lover's   face. 
Free   of    all    base    alloy, 
God    give    thee    joy! 
[59] 


God  give  thee  life,  my  child, 
All-compassing,  all  bright. 
Eternal,    undefiled, 
His  life  of   love  and  light! 
Sovereign  o'er  stress  and  strife, 
God  give  thee  life! 

What  human  hearts,   my   child. 
Can  only  wish  for  thee. 
Albeit,   by   love   beguiled. 
They    fain    would   givers    be, — 
Of   blessings  great   or   small, 
God  give  thee  all! 


[60] 


HE   STANDS   AT   THE   DOOR 

Crowned  with  the  splendor  of  the  skies, 
Jeweled  with  stars,  and  robed  in  light, 

So  radiant  that  all  human  eyes 
Are   blinded   by   the   sight: 

He  holds  the  keys  of  either  sphere. 
Yet  one  small  door  will  not  unlock. 

But  stands  without,   until   I   hear 
My  Lover's  patient  knock — 

Hear   and   arise,    and   joyfully 
Throw  for  myself  the  portal  wide, 

That  He  who  comes  to  visit  me 
May   enter   and   abide! 

Beloved,    through    Thy   grace   Divine, 
Though  I  be  weak,  and  full  of  sin, 

This   right   of   sovereign   choice  is   mine. 
Behold,   I   let   Thee   in! 

Come,    and    my    darkened   house   illume; 

Come,   share   and  bless   my   daily   store, 
O   Lord  of   Life  and  Life  to  come, 

Who  knockest  at  my  door ! 
[61] 


MY   PILGRIMAGE 

I  journey  to  no  distant  goal, 

That   shall   reward   the   toilsome   way; 
Not   from  to-morrow  draws  my  soul 

The    strength   it   needs    to-day. 

Not  yonder  only  waits   my  King 
To  place   a  crown   upon   my  brow 

With    longed-for    praise    and    welcoming; 
He  walks   beside  me  now. 

I   do   not   stand   upon   the  beach 
Of   any   cold  and  sullen   stream 

I  needs  must  cross  or  ere  I  reach 
The  city  of   my  dream. 

Life,   in   a   brimming,   bubbling   tide. 
Not  darkling  Death,  flows  ceaseless  by. 

And    evermore,    that    stream   beside. 
We   walk — my   Friend   and   I. 

We  feel  the  joy  of  thirst,  and  drink; 

We  heal  the  wounds  of  toil  and  strife 
With  leaves  that  flutter  to  the  brink 

Down    from  the  trees   of   life. 
[62] 


Upward   we'll   trace   the   river's    course, 
Until   at   last,   the   pathway   trod, 

We  stand  together  at  the  source, 
Beneath    the   throne    of    God. 

Dear  Friend,  what  scenes  that  upper  land 

May  hold  of  unimagined  bliss 
I  know  not;  but  I   clasp  Thy  hand, 

Content    with   Thee,    and   this. 


[63] 


CHRISTUS    CONJUGATUS 

0  weary   soul!  be   not   distressed; 
Remember  how  the   Master  spoke 

That  day  He  promised  His  own  rest 
To  them   who  take   His   yoke — 

His  yoke,  that  lays  its  weight  on  two, 
And  links  the  laborer  to  a  Friend 

Unwearied,    patient,    hopeful,    true. 
Who  bears   the   other  end! 

Dear  Lord  and  Comrade!  I  would  ask 
No  toil  in  which  Thou  dost  not  aid, 

Nor  any  rest  from  any  task 

Save  that  which  Thou  hast  said 

Thou  wilt  bestow  on  them  who  bear 
This  common  yoke  of  theirs  and  Thine- 

The  joyful   burden,   light   as   air. 
The  rest  that  is   divine! 

1  would  not  stop,  I  would  not  moan, 
While  life  and  strength  remain  in  me, 

If  only  I  be  not  alone 
In  what  I  do   for  Thee! 
[64] 


Till  there  be  left  no  work  at  all 
That  I  on  earth  with  Thee  can  share. 

And  Thou  shalt  speak  the  welcome  call : 
"Rest  now — and  work — elsewhere!" 


[65] 


THE   LILIES 

What  IS  the  way  the  lilies  grow? 

Asleep  in  winter,  under  the  snow, 

They  stir  in  their  sleep  and  dream  of  the  sky 

They  shall  look  up  to,  by  and  by; 

And  when  the  Spring  with  fingers   small, 

Reaches  and  touches  and  wakes  them  all. 

Then  out  they  come,  and  up  they  go: 

That  is  the  way  the  lilies  grow! 

And  yet  they   do  not   suddenly   leap 
Up  from  the  bed  of  their  winter  sleep. 
Saying,  "Behold,  how  grand  are  we. 
As  big  to-day  as  ever  we'll  be !" 
Oh,  no!  it  is  not  the  lilies'  way 
With  strain  and  striving  to  grow  in  a  day: 
Calm  and  happy  and  sure  and  slow — 
That  is  the  way  the  lilies  grow! 


They  draw  their  food  for  leaf  and  stem 
Out  of  the  earth  that  cradled  them, 
Then  catch  in  their  tiny  hands  the  rain 
To  wash  them  clean  of  the  earthly  stain, 
And  lift  their  faces  to  breeze  and  sun. 
That  clothe  in  beauty   every  one. 
To  heaven   above,    from  earth  below — 
That  is  the  way  the  lilies  grow! 

By  and  by,  when  the  time  is  come 
All  unconscious  they  bud  and  bloom! 
Then,  in  a  glory  that  far  outshines 
Richest    splendors    of    royal    lines, 
Over  the  meadow  in  bright  array 
The  lilies   cluster,   and   seem  to   say, 
"How  this  happened,  we  do  not  know 
But  that  is  the  way  we  lilies  grow." 

Little   children    (and   larger,   too!) 
Let  the  lilies  say  this  to  you: 
Would  you  rise  to  the  higher  air 
Strong,   unsullied   and    free   of   care. 
Gathering   ever    from   earth   and   sky 
Grace  and  glory  in   full  supply — 
Would   you    win    Life's    victory    so? 
Consider  the   lilies,   how  they  grow! 


[67] 


THE  GRAND  CANYON  OF  THE 
COLORADO 

A  thought  of  God  on  earth  expressed! — 

The    silence    of    His    perfect    rest; — 

The   patience   of   eternal   power; — 

The  ceaseless  change  from  hour  to  hour; — 

Forms    in    alternate    gloom    and   flame, 

That  bide  yet  evermore  the  same, 

And  do  but  wear  a  fitful  guise 

Reflected    in   our   human   eyes, 

Which  only  compass  in  their  range 

The  things  that  change,  or  seem  to  change  ;- 

The  blended  hues   of   heavenly  birth 
Beyond  the   tenderest  tints   of   earth. 
That  fill  and  flood  these  spaces  wide 
With   surges   of   celestial   tide; — 
The  mystery  of  this  awful  brink 
Where  meaner  thoughts   in  rapture  sink, 
And  souls  see  clear,  tho'  eyes  grow  dim. 
While  time  and  space  are  lost  in  Him! 

Methinks    I   could   not    fail    or   flee 
In   any   conflict   yet   to   be. 
Whatever  pathway  must  be  trod. 
Might  I  but  keep  this  thought  of  God! 
[68] 


TO   A   SHUT-IN 

We  ran  along  the  shining   sands 

Beneath   the   cloudy   sky, 
And   saw  the   ships   from   many   lands — 

The   white   ships,   sailing  by. 

But  lo!  upon  a  quiet  spot 

An   idle   boat   we    found. 
"Boatman,"  we  cried,  **Why  sail  you  not?" 

Quoth  he,  "My  ship's  aground." 

"And   are   you   sad    and    desolate, 

To  be  thus   laid   aside?" 
"Not  so,"  he  said,  "I  only  wait 

The  turning  of   the   tide. 

"And  while  I  watch  my  brethren  free 

Upon   the    sparkling   main, 
I   know  the  time  will  come  to  me 

When   I   shall   launch   again." 

Dear    sailor,    stranded    for    a    while, 
Though  other   sails   are   spread, 

And  waves  in  invitation  smile. 
And    heaven    shines    overhead, 
[69] 


We  count  you  still  a  comrade   true, 
We   miss   you    and   we   yearn 

For  the  glad  moment  when  to  you 
The    flood-tide    shall    return. 


[70] 


THE   HIGHEST   CRITICISM 

Whene'er,    O    ever-present    Lord! 

These  ancient  chronicles   I   read 
Of  them,  Thy  human  speech  who  heard. 

Who  touched  Thy  human  hands  indeed. 

Forbid  that  all  my  faith  be  spent 
To  find  them  true,  and  free  from  flaw, 

Or  idly  pitch  my   slothful  tent 
Upon  the  truth  they  say  they  saw! 

Nay,  hold  not  thus  Thyself  aloof. 
But  come,  and  bide  and  walk  with  me, 

That  I  may  cry,  on  higher  proof, 
Not,  "Yes;  they  saw,"  but  "Lo!  I  see!" 


[71] 


THY   WILL 

0  Thou,   who  art  inspiring 
My   yearning   and    desiring, 

And  hearest  always  when  I  pray! 
Hear    only,    whatsoe'er    I    say, 
"Dear  God,  Thy  will  be  done. 
And    Thine    alone!" 

1  could  not  joy  in  praying, 
My   heart  before   Thee   laying. 
Did   I   not  know   I   cannot  move 
The  wiser  purpose  of  Thy  love! 

Dear  God,   Thy  will  be  done, 
And    Thine    alone ! 

Such   dread,   my   faith   overtasking, 
Would    silence   all    my    asking; 
How  should  I   dare  a   single  hour 
To  borrow  Thine  almighty  power? 
Dear  God,  Thy  will  be  done, 
And  Thine  alone! 


[72] 


Let   not    my    selfish    crying 
Disturb    Thy    love's    replying! 
I  shall  not  mourn  the  things  I  miss 
If  Thou  but  make  me  sure  of  this; 
Dear    God,    Thy   will   be   done, 
And    Thine    alone ! 


[73] 


IMMORTAL   LOVE 

There  is  gladness  and  rest  for  the  spirits  bright 

Who  have  laid  their  labors   down; 
They  have  run  the  race,  they  have  fought  the 
fight; 

They  have  bent  their  heads   for  the  crown; 
Yet  ever  they  turn   from  their  rapturous  song 

To  the  dear  ones  here  below; 
For  love  is  steadfast,   and  love  is   strong, 

And  love  will  never  let  go! 

There  is  trial  and  burden  and  struggle  and  pain 

For   us   on   this   earthly   shore; 
But  we  surely  some  day  shall  meet  again 

The    dear    ones    gone    before; 
And  even  in  the  midst  of  the  heavenly  throng 

Our  own   we   shall   find  and  know; 
For  love  is  steadfast,  and  love  is  strong, 

And  love  will  never  let  go! 

Thou  Lord  of  Life  and  Lord  of  Love 

To  whom  alike  are  dear 
Thy  strong,  triumphant  saints  above 

And   Thy   weak   children   here! 

[74] 


Thou  wilt  grant  us  the  joy  for  which  we  long; 

For   chiefest   in   Thee,    we   know 
That  love  is  steadfast,  and  love  is  strong, 

And  love  will  never  let  go! 


[75] 


SING   TO   THE   LORD! 

Sing  to  the  Lord,  O  my  soul,  O  my  soul! 

Tell  of  His  goodness,  tell  of  His  love! 
Hark!  how  the  music  of  spheres  as  they  roll 

Echoes    from   Heaven   above! 
Angels  are  chanting   from  star  unto   star; 

Sweetly  their  melody   falls  on  Thine  ear, 
Thrilling  to  meet,  as  it  comes  from  afar, 

Answering   praises    here ! 
Surely,  my  soul,  there  is  joy  in  confessing 

Fullness  of  pardon,  and  treasure  of  blessing. 
Thine  be  the  song  to  fly  swift  to  His  throne 

With  rapture  of  gladness  to  angels  unknown! 

Casting  thy  crown,  O  my  soul,  at  His  feet, 
Let  thy  new  strain  make  the  chorus  complete, 
Glory  and  blessing  and  honor  to  bring, — 
Sing  to  the  Lord,  O  sing! 

Not  unto  us,  O  my  soul,  O  my  soul. 
Not  unto  us  the  praise   shall  be  given; 

Hail  to  the  Father  whose  tender  control 
Guideth  thy  feet  to  Heaven! 

[76] 


Weakness  and  weariness  brood  o'er  thy  path, 

He  is  thy  refuge  and  strength  by  the  way; 
Shadow  of   sorrow  and  tempest  of   wrath 

Vainly  thy  course  would  stay. 
Straying,    He    followed    thee;    lost,    He    hath 
found   thee; 

Ever  the  arms  of  His  love  are  around  thee; 
He  shall  acclaim  thee,  when  trials  are  done 

Heir  of  His  Kingdom  and  son  with  His  Son ! 

Casting  thy  crown,  O  my  soul,  at  His  feet 
Let  thy  new  strain  make  the  chorus  complete, 
Glory  and  blessing  and   honor   to   bring, — 
Sing   to   the   Lord,   O   sing! 


177] 


AN   ANNIVERSARY 

Now    rest,    ye    pilgrim    host! 

Look  back  upon  your  way: 
The  mountains  climbed,  the  torrents  crossed, 

Through   many  a  weary   day. 
From  this  victorious  height 

How    fair   the   past    appears, 
God's  grace  and  glory  shining  bright 

On    all   the   bygone   years! 

How  many,  at  His  call, 

Have  parted   from  our  throng! 
They   watch   us    from   the   crystal   wall, 

And  fecho  back  our   song. 
They    rest,   beyond   complaints, 

Beyond   all    sighs    and   tears; 
Praise  be  to  God  for  all  His  saints 

Who   wrought   in   bygone   years! 

The  banners  they  upbore 

Our   hands    still    lift    on    high; 
The   Lord   they    followed   evermore 

To  us  is  also  nigh. 

[78] 


Arise,    arise!    and    tread 
The    future    without    fears; 

He  leadeth  still,   whose  hand  hath  led 
Through   all  the  bygone  years! 

When  we  have  reached  the  home 

We  seek   with   weary   feet. 
Our  children's  children  still  shall   come 

To   keep    these    ranks    complete; 
And   He,   whose  host   is   one. 

In  all  the  countless  spheres 
Will  guide  His  marching  servants  on 

Through    everlasting    years. 


[791 


EASTER 

Morning   red!   Morning    red! 
Now  the  shadows  all  are  fled; 
Now  the   Sabbath's   cloudless  glory 
Tells   anew   the   wondrous   story, 
Christ  is  risen  from  the  dead. 

All   around,   all   around, 
Solemn    silence    reigned   profound; 
When,  with  blaze  and  sudden  thunder, 
Angels  burst  the  tomb  asunder, 
And  the  Saviour  was  unbound. 

Forth   He   came,   Forth   He   came. 
Robed  in  white,  celestial  flame! 
Mary,   at   His   empty  prison, 
Knew    not    her    Redeemer    risen. 
Till   He  called  her  by  her  name. 

Morning   red!   Morning   red! 
Christ    is    risen    from    the    dead! 
Still  He  walketh  in  the  garden, 
Speaking  words  of  love  and  pardon. 
Though  the  crown   is  on   His   head! 

[80] 


Morning   red!    Morning   red! 
Thou  dost  light   His  crowned  head! 
Brightest   jewel   of    His   glory, 
Ever  shines  that  wondrous  story, 
Christ   is    risen    from   the    dead. 


End. 


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UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 


YC160249 


